Not the Kaduna I used to know

Gone are the days when we were young, I remember going to “Church” Deeper life and ECWA, both in Tudun Wada, with our friends ‘Dogara and Timothy’ who are Christians, accompanying them frequently on Sunday for worship. It was during that time I learned this song: “I have a very big God who is always […]

Gone are the days when we were young, I remember going to “Church” Deeper life and ECWA, both in Tudun Wada, with our friends ‘Dogara and Timothy’ who are Christians, accompanying them frequently on Sunday for worship. It was during that time I learned this song: “I have a very big God who is always by my side,  I have a very big God oh by my side by my side”. I beg for a pardon in case I made a mistake! I remembered when some of our friends Ghani a.k.a. Kazah and Gabriel, when they used to followed us to our Islamiyyah school and Mosque, attending our regular activities there, with their parent’s consent and without an iota of protest or outrage from their parent. I also remembered going to one Church in Asikolaye near Hope School, escorting our friend Ogar, together with Salisu who is now late, and Ibro mosquitoe helping him to clean the Church’s premises on Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s preparation. Because in turn, Ogar himself was assisting his ageing mother.

I remembered during Sallah’s festivities, some of our Christian friends dressed in their new clothes, and followed us to “ Yawon Sallah”. We sent food to our neighbouring Christians, like Murna, Maman Gideon, Maman Shobe, Maman Laha mai rake, and Asabe mai alade. In turn, our neighbourhood Christians do the same on Christmas day, sending food and other gifts to us, in order to celebrate with them.

The house opposite ours are occupied by people from Southern Kaduna. Next are people from Southeast i.e. Igbos. The whole of our area was mixed up with peoples from different religions and ethnic groups. Our Mosque where we do our five daily prayers, Masallacin Audu Kano was facing “Deeper Life Church”! They usually started their Church service almost the same time when we are praying Maghrib, their loudspeakers blaring with songs and praising God. But there was never a time when we complain for any disturbance from their side.

I also remembered when the Muslim guys were getting in love with Christian ladies, most especially Southern Kaduna. And some of them even got married to many Hausas. Interestingly, there was no compulsion or coercion on both sides concerning the marriage.

These reminiscent good days will never be erased in my memory. It stand as a folk memory, that whenever one of our Christian friends will be intimidated or persecuted by any evil doer, we used our collective power to protect him by all means, the way we would do it to our blood brothers. At that time, life was calm. That was before the enemies of peace and conflict entrepreneurs divided us through their ill speech and incitements.

Dolefully, the inhabitants of Kaduna city were forced to adopt a segregated living. But if we would continue to make a business transaction together in the market, without minding one’s religion or tribe, and work in both private and public organizations together, going to the same school and mingling shoulders together in the class, therefore, what does it cost if we kindly embrace an “Olive Branch”? May the soul of those who lost their lives in “ Kasuwan Magani’s” recent crisis rest in eternal peace! Amin.

Jabir T. Usman, Kaduna South, Kaduna   [email protected]